To be frank, only three NBA players have truly influenced the world. Curry and Johnson are not qualified.
After much thought, I still want to write about the NBA players who have truly influenced the world. So far, many people think that Jordan, Kobe, James, Durant, Curry, and others have influenced the world. However, in my mind, there are only three people: Jordan, Kobe, and James. Other players like Curry, Durant, and Johnson do indeed have influence, but they are not on the same level as these three.
Jordan
Jordan entered the NBA in 1984 and went through two stages: the first 13 seasons and the last two with the Wizards. His main honors and influence were achieved during the first 13 seasons, including 10 scoring titles, 6 championships, 6 Finals MVPs, and 5 regular-season MVPs. Many global sports brands made huge profits from his endorsements. During his several retirements, the NBA suffered greatly, with unemployment rates and viewership reaching their lowest points. I won't go into specifics here.
Kobe
In his 20-season career, Kobe gave fans around the world some of his most exciting games, winning 5 championships including one three-peat, 2 Finals MVPs, and 1 regular-season MVP. His 81-point game is unforgettable for fans. He represented the national team twice, winning gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Especially at the 2008 Olympics, he had a 10-second solo spotlight, showing his unparalleled influence among fans. In China, Kobe has an especially large fan base, which is inseparable from his love for Chinese fans. During his playing career and after retirement, he participated in various basketball activities in China, such as basketball training camps. Fans admire him not only for his style on the court but also for his never-give-up attitude and competitive spirit.
James
James has set numerous personal records in the NBA, including 40,000 points, total playoff points, and scoring in double figures for 21 consecutive seasons. These are just the tip of the iceberg. His personal honors include leading different teams to championships as the core player, with 4 championships, 4 MVPs, and 4 Finals MVPs. Even in seasons without James in the playoffs, the NBA's viewership dropped below 60%, while with James, it reached over 80%. When I asked elementary school students if they knew who was playing in the NBA, they only knew James, shaking their heads at the mention of Curry or Durant. This is where the influence of a basketball player lies. Finally, I wish James all the best in winning another championship in the future.
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